Raccoon Control Products

Raccoon Behavior

With their cute, round ears and bushy striped tails, raccoons have managed to capture the affection of many humans. However, as suggested by their characteristic eye “masks,” raccoons are also masters of deceit; though they may look precious and fluffy, they are actually mischievous trouble makers that can cause thousands of dollars in damage when left uncontrolled for too long. Raccoons are nocturnal omnivores that are definitely not picky about their food. Some researchers regard them as one of the most omnivorous animals because of their unselective diet that consists of invertebrates, plant material, and vertebrates. Consequently, they will literally eat anything, including trash, which is why many upset homeowners encounter these pests picking through overturned trash cans. Raccoons live in woody areas, especially those with trees that are easy to climb and inhabit. However, if trees are not available or suitable for climbing, then raccoons will inhabit abandoned dens made by other animals or abandoned attics. Because they are so likely to come in contact with humans, create messes and damage, and be vectors of diseases such as rabies, raccoons are regarded as particularly annoying pests that should be controlled immediately for human safety and sanitation.

How to Get Rid of Raccoons

With their cute and cuddly appearance, raccoons have managed to win over the sympathy of the general public and therefore are protected under various state and local laws. Before attempting to kill or trap any of them, one should verify that no laws will be violated during the process of control/extermination. One of the best raccoon control methods is actually prevention. By trimming trees and not letting them touch the home, sealing off all possible entry points, and installing electric fences, one can prevent raccoons from even entering the premise. In a situation where a raccoon has already entered the area, homeowners may choose between trapping the pest and killing it using a gas bomb. However, because not all raccoons utilize dens for shelter, live animal traps may be the better option. Pest Mall offers an effective live animal trap that can be set with bait to humanely trap and release the creatures without harming them or inflicting accidental self-harm. Sometimes making loud noises and flashing bright lights are enough to chase out raccoons temporarily, but they are not advised because they may actually instigate the creatures to attack.